Faculty of Humanities and Social Science > English Language Skills
Literary Terms
Binoy:
Understatement
অধবর্ণন; স্বল্পকথন
Definition:
This literary device refers to the practice of drawing attention to a fact that is already obvious and noticeable. Understating a fact is usually done by way of sarcasm, irony, wryness or any other form of dry humor. Understating something is akin to exaggerating its obviousness as a means of humor.
Example:
The phrase, “Oh! I wonder if he could get any later; I am free all day long”. Said in a sarcastic tone it indicates that the speaker obviously means the opposite of the literal meaning.
Binoy:
Verisimilitude
সত্যপ্রতীতি
Definition:
Verisimilitude tends to be based around the appearance or proximity to being real, or the truth. It was a large part of the work of Karl Popper, and can be used in a variety of different ways to describe something, as well. It is a way of implying the believability or likelihood of a theory or narrative. However, just because something can be described as having Verisimilitude does not mean that it is true, only that merely appears to or seems to be true.
Example:
It can be used in a variety of ways, for example;
“While some dislike the content of the novel due to its graphic nature, you cannot deny that the content certainly gives the book some Verisimilitude”
An example of Verisimilitude in concept, though, could be a doubtful statement in a court of law or even a false testimonial for a restaurant. If something “seems” like it’s all well and good, but you can’t quite decide, then it can be said to have Verisimilitude.
Binoy:
Verse
পদ্য
Definition:
The literary term ‘verse’ is used to refer to any single, lone line of a poetry composition. A metrical writing line is known as verse. The word can however, also refer to a stanza or any other part of the poetry.
Example:
A single line or stanza in a poem would be an example of verse.
Binoy:
Action
মারদাঙ্গা; কর্মকাণ্ড
What is Action?
Also called “action-adventure,” action is a genre of film, TV, literature, etc., in which the primary feature is the constant slam-bang of fights, chases, explosions, and clever one-liners. Action stories typically do not explore complex relationships between human beings or the subtleties of psychology and philosophy. Instead, they are high-octane thrillers that simply aim to give the reader an exciting ride. (The word “thriller” is synonymous with “action” in this context.)
The Importance of Action:
Action stories work because they’re fun. People enjoy watching/reading them, even if they are not mentally stimulated by the genre. As for what makes action stories so popular, that’s tough to answer. On one level, the sheer simplicity of action stories may account for their popularity. Action stories are very easy to understand, and they work with themes that every human being can easily understand.
On another level, action stories get a lot of their power from archetypes, mythical figures that are common to all cultures and seem to be hard-wired into the human psyche. Every culture produces stories about heroes, monster-slayers, demons, mentors, temptresses, etc., and action stories frequently draw on this deep well of cultural ideas.
Examples of Action in Literature:
Example 1
Beowulf is a great work of literature and extremely important in the history of Old English, but it definitely has elements of an action story. The main archetype is Beowulf himself – the heroic monster-slayer who swims all the way to Denmark to try his hand at killing the monster Grendel. Over the course of the story, Beowulf fights tougher and tougher enemies until he finally has to face the great fire dragon.
Example 2
If you want to learn how to write effective fight scenes, The Golden Compass is a great book to start with. The final duel between the Panserbjorne is an extended fight that has a beginning-middle-end structure, along with changes in pace and repeated use of a wide variety of literary devices.
Binoy:
Adage
সুবচন
The adage expresses a well-known and simple truth in a few words. Adages are also known as a proverbs or aphorisms.
Adages are brief statements which reflect commonly-held philosophical beliefs in a society. Because an adage has been passed down over time, it serves as a symbol of collected and accepted wisdom. For example, Eat, drink, and be merry reflects a society which also values fun and enjoyment. Stupid is as stupid does reflects the belief that we are our actions: a supposedly intelligent person acting stupidly is not truly intelligent. Adages provide us with simple guidelines with which to live. In literature, adages are a sign of wisdom and of a work’s universal appeal and truth.
Example 1:
For example, here are a few from Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanac:
There are no pains without gains.
Have you something to do tomorrow? Do it today.
What you would seem to be, be really.
Over time, these adages have found their modern forms in phrases like the athlete’s mantra “No pain, no gain!” Nike’s Just Do It slogan, and the advice we all give one another: Just be yourself.
Example 2:
For a second example, here are a few adages from Aesop’s Fables.
From Beekeeper and the Bees: Things are not always what they seem.
From Dog and His Reflection: Be content with what you have.
From Man and His Sons: United we stand, divided we fall.
Aesop’s Fables are a source of numerous adages which have made it a classic treasury read to children in order to pass down simple stories with simple lessons of how to live well.
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